The dunce’s corner
Why are you talking about unimportant things like the implementation of the pension and insurance scheme? (“Modi rebrands pension, insurance schemes but will they really be more effective this time?”). Don’t you realise the power of sound? We only had to change the name of Bombay to Mumbai, and it instantly became a world-class city. Didn’t you notice the huge improvement in quality of life when we changed Madras to Chennai? Bangalore to Bengaluru? Calcutta to Kolkata? No? Then it is hardly surprising that you lack belief in Modi magic. Stand in the dunce’s corner and repeat to yourself 5,000 times “I will believe in magic, I will believe in mantras, I will believe in Modi”. – Prabhu S Gupta
Inaccurate Figures
In the article about the Indian economy under Narendra Modi, the author writes that India imports "almost two-thirds" of the country's total requirement of crude oil, providing a link to an article by Thomson Reuters (“One year on, here’s how India’s economy has changed under Narendra Modi”). Both reports are inaccurate. India currently imports almost 80 per cent of its requirement of crude oil. The precise proportion stood at around 77 per cent in the year that ended in March this year. – Paranjoy Guha Thakurta
First-class review
Congratulations on a first-class review of history and politics vis a vis the cow (“Maharashtra’s beef ban shows how politicians manipulate Hindu sentiments around cow slaughter”). – Jo
Give up cheerleading
I have a message for the cheerleader in the IPL: love India, and give up being a cheerleader. It just does not look good on fabulous ladies like you all (“Leching men, dirty toilets and corrupt managers: an IPL cricket cheerleader reveals all”). – Gyalpo Dawson
Thanks for the explanation
Thank you for your explanation about the Golden Temple (“Why Sikhs don't want the Golden Temple to be declared a World Heritage Site”). – Jasneel Singh
Oh, those IIT subsidies, again!
I am responding to the articles by Jeswanth Padooru where he makes unfair and ill-advised attacks on IITians and IITs (“Dear Smriti Irani, stop giving my money to IITians”).
First, Padooru fails to understand the difference between education and technical training. The IITs were established to provide students with a sound and all-round education in science and technology, not create trained "mechanics" who did what they were trained for. A sound education trains one to think and solve problems, no matter what kind of job he/she is assigned or selects to do.
Second, while it is a shame that the defence and space establishments are unable to recruit sufficient engineers (IIT or other), is that the fault of the engineers? Padooru should lay the blame squarely on our politicians and bureaucrats who interfere and put in place less qualified personnel in high positions.
Third, Padooru blames the engineers for not starting companies which would manufacture the equipment which we currently import. Again here, Padooru fails to understand that starting a company is more than just engineering skills but also needs capital. Yes, some engineers have been entrepreneurial and started companies like Flipkart and others, but they too have been condemned by Padooru. Is that not contradictory?
Fourth, Padooru claims that more money is repatriated from the Gulf countries than made by out-sourcing companies in the West. While that may be true, do we want India to be known worldwide as the source of cheap labour for the Gulf countries? Or, do we want Indians to work proudly in the West where their education and skills are appreciated and fairly rewarded?
Let us not be short-sighted and save a paisa and lose a rupee. – Firoz Mistry
***
IITians are looting India’s money and not giving anything back to the country. We should file an PIL to stop their funding. – P Narasingha Patro
***
When doctors are forced to work in rural areas, then the IITians should also work for the Indian government. – Amit Gupta
***
All IITians should be made to repay the subsidy with interest the moment they land a job, just like educational loans are repaid to the bank. – Dr AR Mehta
***
A student from IIT gets an average pay package of Rs 10 lakh, of which he pays a tax of Rs 1.5 lakh approximately per year. The government pays Rs 2.5 lakh per year for four years and gets back Rs 1.5 lakh per year for nearly 40 years. So how is taxpayers’ money wasted? – Rahul Babbar
The greed thing
I am an NITian, now an IIM student. Though I agree with some views, I just cannot understand your handling of the issue. IITs are now India’s path to success and have a status like that of civil servants. The next step that a normal IITian sees is foreign opportunities, whether it is studying further or advancing the career. Calling IITians and doctors as greedy may be for most part true, simply because the greed (hunger for money or success) is what causes them to compete hard with lakhs of similar aspirants (“'IITians and doctors are greedy people'”).
With regards to funding the education, I agree with most opinions: the bank loan would do. But in addition to it, need-based scholarships should be provided to students from weaker backgrounds, as in case of IIMs where graduation costs are on par with the market.
Improving and maintaining IIT standards require substantial research funding and grants from both the government and the industry. But, when even the IIT course funding is curtailed, shouldn't we try to capture as much talent as possible? – Chandra Prabhu
Pakistani passport blues
In 1985 or ’86, I have helped fill out somebody's Pakistan passport application form. The person had to-
1. Affirm the finality of Prophet Mohammed,
2. Endorse that any insult to the Prophet deserved punishment by death.
3. That Qadianis were not Muslims.
Those were the days (“What renewing my Pakistani passport revealed to me about myself and my country”). - Jyoti Pande
Hit and run
The hit and run survivor account by Charudutt Acharya is well written (“'I am a hit and run survivor': a chilling account by Bollywood director Charudutt Acharya”). He deserves applause for writing without fear. I was also hit by a young boy, who was riding on the wrong side of the road. I persuaded the boy to run away, for the fear of my son. I was thrown in the middle of the road just near my son's office in Pune. Till today, I bear scars on both my legs and of a lot of pain in winter. I bear no grudges because this boy stopped and kept saying sorry and was ready to take me to the hospital. - Lavina Lewis
Battery power
The Tesla battery Powerwall will definitely improve the power situation in India, provided that PM Modi takes initiatives for it. (“Can Elon Musk's wall-mounted battery solve India’s power crisis?”). If it is a yes, then the project will be handled at a large level, and smart cities will truly be smart. - Madhuri Ashtekar
Cool home
Here’s one more easy and cheap Idea to keep your home cool in the summer. Cover the roof with thermocol [stretch polystyrene] (“Want to keep your home cool this summer? An architect has some practical tips”). - Manoj Jain
Another Hindi book
I was going through an article by Snigdha Poonam on must-read Hindi books of this year (“Five Hindi books you must read this year”). So, I thought I’d bring forth another book that has created ripples in the Hindi literature scene. Dark Horse by Nilotpal Mrinal is a novel on the life of students preparing for civil services in the Mukharjeenagar area of North Delhi. But in its take, it widens its wings and sensibly touches the social backgrounds, loves, dreams, failures, depression and broken dreams through parallel stories of different characters. The book has garnered critical appeal as well. – Nishith Singh
Endearing simplicity
All things complex can be solved if made simple. Piku is that simple a movie (“Film review: 'Piku' mines great humour from irritable characters and stubborn bowel movements”). No complex storyline with no twists or extra added masala, yet it has all the elements of surprise, emotions, and drama. The movie's simple story is so well told that you will feel all the emotions as the characters do. This simplicity is so beautifully acted by the great Senior Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan and Moushumi Chatterjee. We very rarely see a movie of this stature come our way, and when it does, it makes one fall in love with cinema all over again. The Bengali father played by Bachchan is a stroke of genius. The actor has yet once again amazed us. The character Piku played by Deepika is so well managed, a headstrong gal who is independently trying to survive in this world, taking care of another extremely headstrong father and coping up with resultant frustrations. The visual portrayal of Piku is ravishingly new, and done so well by Shoojit Sircar. – Sandeep Rawal
Saving Calcutta
I fully endorse the views expressed by Amit Chaudhuri and others on saving the historic neighbourhoods of Kolkata (“Calcutta must take urgent steps to save its historic neighbourhoods from real-estate developers”). Let me add, however, that some of the houses may have gone beyond repair. In such cases, any new building which comes up should have a façade that merges with the existing architectural features. This should be possible. Also, shop signage should also be in harmony. At present, they tend to stand out as ugly sores on some of the charming old houses. – Suchandra Chakravarty
***
I wholeheartedly add my own personal endorsement of efforts made by this esteemed group, to retain Calcutta’s integrity as an utterly unique and distinguished cultural and social entity worth preserving and nurturing in progressive yet sensitive ways. I would deem it an honour to be included in this list of concerned individuals. – Brian Paul Bach
Nightclub video
Excellent article on the nightclubs in Bollywood (“[Video] It’s all happening in the Bollywood nightclub”). Keep them coming. Though I know it is not possible to include everything, the nightclub scene from Waqt should have been included. The lyrics echo the motto of the night club. – Jyoti Pande
Let literature be read as literature
Why would you preface a Manto story with: 'Saadat Hasan Manto’s ‘Bombay Stories’ are devastating portraits of the working class crammed into tenement houses'? Manto's stories are great because they are beautifully written, not because they are about the working class. When will we learn to read literature for the literature, and not for the social utility? (“On Manto’s birth anniversary, a story from his life in a Bombay chawl: ‘Peerun’”)
I expected better from Scroll. – Rosinka Chaudhuri
Stop child actors first
I thought your article about child slavery in the Aishwarya Rai ad is good, but then you should stop all those ads which use children (“Open letter to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: This ad you figure in is insidiously racist”). You should stop all those child artists from acting in TV serials such as Udaan, where the entire serial is dedicated to the child.
I agree with your gesture of child labour, but then there is always other side of the coin. - Sameer Reshamwala
Prejudiced mindset
It is the first time I read such a disconnected and prejudiced article in Scroll.in. Regarding the unfortunate incident of SAI athletes’ suicide, these are the facts (“Kerala suicide pact: As Malayali women break free, regressive forces rear up again”):
1. The girls were found drinking beer by their seniors.
2. The girls have been facing constant harassment from senior girls regarding the same.
3. The teenage girls are living away from home, and do not have a very supportive environment at the institute. And coupled with high pressure, they decided to take the extreme step.
From this, if the author wanted to write an "opinion", one can talk about the kind of difficulties that girls face in sports, the cultural/patriarchal mindset in the society, etc. What the author ended up highlighting is the "hand-chopping case", "Vatican", "Saudi Arabia" and lot of such things which do not have a direct bearing on the issue being discussed, which clearly illustrates the author's prejudiced mindset. The way the author argues is this:
Regressive forces in the Muslim (and a passing reference to Christian) communities is pulling back Kerala society, and this has led the four athletes to commit suicide.
There are regressive forces in all religions pulling Kerala back. But none of the four athletes were Muslim, nor has any news report come out indicating a SAI official being a Muslim. Now unless you are blinded by prejudice, there is no direct link between the two. – Ashif Anakorath
Indo-Pak mango wars
First of all, I’d like to tell the author that being Indian, he cannot simply pass a judgement about which side of soil is producing more flavourful mangoes (“Why Indian mangoes are better than Pakistani ones”). Whatever you say or try will reflect your biased opinion, which I really respect as this shows patriotism, a quality to be admired.
I have tried Indian, Pakistani, Mexican and mangoes from other countries. When you say Anwar Ratol is from India, I agree. If you remember, Pakistan and India used to be one country. There are lot of plants and fruits which are all over the world. Sometimes they grow better in their second home, as the conditions are more suitable. Anwar Ratol might have been amazing in Pakistan if it had been planted.
Also, the taste varies from one person to another. Not everyone likes the same thing. I have met Indians who migrated from Pakistan stating that they tasted the best mangoes in their old hometown, and my own father who migrated from the Indian side always says that the best mangoes in the world are in Hushiarpur. So, emotions and memories play a big role. – Aeysha Athar
***
The most unlucky person born on this planet is the one who doesn't like mangoes, especially Alphonso. – Sudhir Buch
Happy reader
I am a regular reader of your website and am happy to say that it gives me great pleasure to read the stories. I find the stories are well researched and well written. I think we need more responsible and unbiased news channels for overall development of the society. After all, the media is the fourth pillar of democracy.
Today, we see neither the legislature nor judiciary working properly. Although both have their problems, legislature does not want to work and the judiciary is short of manpower. Therefore, there is more responsibility on the media to properly run democracy.
In India, it’s very hard to get a good news site, and I am happy reading your articles. Please keep on writing such bold and unbiased news. - Sidhartha Mahapatra
Fatal error
The totalling error found in the Karnataka High Court judgement in the Jayalalithaa case is fatal, unless it is proved convincingly that loans totalling, or a loan totalling to Rs. 13,50,00,000 has been inadvertently omitted to be recorded in the judgement (“How the numbers don't add up in the Jayalalithaa case: Did the Karnataka High Court get its maths wrong?”). Will this not remind us of the proverbial gap between the lip and the cup? – Samaga Dattatri
***
The Karnataka High Court Judge has dealt with the loan amount of Rs.24,17,31,274/- in the Jayalalthaa judgement in six places (pages 848, 850, 852, 852, 893, 903). Further, in page 852 the judge says, "In this case, there is positive evidence to the effect that Rs. 24,17,31,274/- has been borrowed loans from the nationalised banks by A1 to A4, firms and companies". Hence, the error in maths may be due to clerical/ typographical error or victim of modern day cut-copy-paste technique.
The judge might have kept the 919 pages highly-confidential judgement with himself because of the sensitivity of the case. – S Sundararajan
***
You show me the man, I will show the rule. This is rule number one. Rule number two: when in doubt, refer to rule number one. The rich and famous can do no wrong. They are all above the law. All politicians are above the law. So are celebrities. Judiciary is fairly flexible. Merit is no longer the criterion in India. Quota system ensures mediocrity. The masses are mesmerised and can be bought at the time of election. Corruption has seeped into all walks of life, including the judiciary. There is no salvation. It is all pot calling the kettle black. DMK is no paragon of virtue. – Natesan Radhakrishnan
***
The judgement page number 852, the first amount of Rs. 1,50,00,000 is typed wrongly. The actual figure is Rs.15,00,00,000. - Jayam Venkateshwaran
Look within
While the Qatar violence involving an Indian is reprehensible, Indians are least qualified to condemn such mob attacks, whatever be the reason (“Qatar appeals for calm after mall visitors attack Indian man accused of insulting Islam”). It is not very long ago that a Delhi mob lynched a Nigerian on flimsy grounds of suspicion. Despite such "lessons abroad", we don't seem to translate them into our own conduct here, in India. – Usha Subramanian
The Modi bias
The article about Modi’s year in office is just biased (“The one thing that has saved Modi from being a complete flop this year”). Anyone will know what side of the coin the author is supporting.
I don’t think people are fools to be misguided by such articles. Bills that were pending in the Parliament were completed by the BJP. GST bill has been discussed in Parliament since ages, and no one party can claim it is their idea. Calling it a UPA bill will be wrong. The case is similar with the Insurance Bill which the previous NDA government wanted to pass, but the Congress opposed.
And so conveniently you forgot about the coalblock allocation scam and the amount of money lost in it. Was it not the UPA trademark? The current government stuck to the Supreme Court directives and quickly took steps so that there won’t be a power shortage in the country.
The style of governance is what is mainly different and you seem to be blind not to notice it. Foreign reserves increased 41% since January 2015, which I think is a big deal, whereas the UPA II gave us the lowest foreign reserves of the decade.
I’m not saying that this is the perfect government, but try to be a bit more sensible in these things. – Vivek Pimputkar
***
First, I'd to state that I'm not a BJP fanatic. I just admire the media and believe it ought to be objective. The article fails to mention The Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill passed by Lok Sabha. Furthermore, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015, is, at the very least, as 'revolutionary' as the NREGA. While it might, to use the words the author uses, 'divide opinion', that doesn't take away from the fact that it is a remarkable piece of legislation.
Plus, the GST U-turn is easily explained by the fact that it was an NDA I issue. You're wrong on nuclear liability as well. The US didn't get exactly what it wanted. And on liability, what they've done is created an insurance pool, which is not the same as limiting compensation.
Please, at least pretend to be objective while writing these articles. – Ahaan Mohan
***
Brilliant summary. Thank you for this. – Sandy Tatham
***
Your observation looks biased. You have completely ignored schemes like insurance for all, national pension scheme, cleaning the legal system by removing old laws, looking at the inflation rate, and improving India's representation at world level. Infra projects are moving fast, and the result will be seen a little later, as was the case with the AB Vajpayee's government.
People would be very happy if you could analyse the same for the period between Independence till 1998. It is a sincere request to you to stop the misleading/biased/sponsored reporting on national issues. - Ajay Kumar
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Very well analysed. It is an eye-opener. – Anup Gupta
Meaningless fraud
I think Narendra Modi’s social security schemes are not a fraud, but your article that is a fraud (“Modi's social security schemes are old wine in new bottles”). The article is completely biased and meaningless. Please don't try to spread misinformation and negative propaganda. -Rakesh Anugula
***
This is a well-written article. It only proves that the role of politicians is to oppose whatever the ruling party does and then implement the same with a new name to fool the people as if they have done something unique. People are now tired and frustrated and resigned themselves to be silent spectators of all that is happening around them, be it in Parliament or judiciary or elsewhere. – Sampath
***
A very valid argument, and an intense read. Thanks for showing this perspective. - Sikata Sitiratna
***
Modi has failed badly. – Capt KP Sharma
Physician, heel thyself!
The mother of the God of Sad Things (Maa Dukhishwar, or should it be the Goddess of Sad Things) Madhu Kishwar is at it again. She rode hard against anyone who spoke a word against Modi during the election tamasha, and now she is dispensing advice that is not just gratuitous but might have done herself a world of good as well. To quote, "even though self-love is not a bad thing if it’s not out of control. However, when the performance is not in sync with image, then it risks looking exaggerated." Splendid advice, your worship, if you can take it yourself (“Modi is like a new bride refashioning herself for a wealthy sasural, says Madhu Kishwar”). - Kishore Tejaswi
***
The article gives ample proof that Madhu Kishwar is disappointed with Modi's performance because she has not been part of his advisory board. – R Valsaraj
Ghee facts
I am afraid some of the content in the article about whether the use of ghee is bad may be factually incorrect (“Is ghee really bad for you?”). The author starts off by quoting Dr Vasant Lad in his book on Ayurveda as if it is the gospel truth. Ayurveda at best is a body of beliefs without evidence about its effects on health and at worst may have deleterious effects like metal poisoning. To assign magical properties to a substance which is essentially fat is possible only in the magical realm of Ayurveda.
Ghee is mainly fat. Almost 65% of that fat is saturated fat. Scientists have always advised us to restrict the intake of saturated fat to 7-10% of the total energy intake. The author also indulges in a bit of fear mongering about the smoke point. Granted that smoke point of unrefined canola is lower than that of ghee, but refined canola has a higher smoke point than ghee. Generally speaking, doctors recommend cooking oils which are low in saturated fat and high in mono and poly unsaturated fats.
It would be great if you could consult a science-based sceptical writer to give his opinion on the consumption of ghee for the benefit of your readers. – Kalind Pathak
Misused reservations
The reservation for OBCs, SC and STs should be less than 50% as mandated by the Supreme Court of India. The other 50% is not for Others, but is Open Category in which all communities and castes, including the OBCs, SCs and STs, can apply. It is shameful that more than 65 years of reservation was not enough and people are asking for more. Some castes are fighting to get included into the reserved category (“Why is the media outraging against OBC reservations when it’s the higher castes who have cornered jobs?”).
Is it not enough level playing field if one gets equal education? No. Reservation is given during entry into educational institutions, hostels and scholarships. It is given for recruitment of jobs. Is the level playing field still not achieved? The current reservation system doesn't serve its real purpose. How many of those getting jobs under reservations have family annual income less than that of the average of the country?
Reservations are being used by the affluent people, denying those who really need them. – Sudheer Kumar
***
This is a good article, but you missed the cost of education which is growing exponentially. Even if reservation is being provided, it is not serving the purpose. The quality of education is decreasing by the day. It would be better if reservation is calculated on economic standard of the individual and not on caste basis. For example: if a doctor or an engineer who has just qualified the examination will have less knowledge, and he/she will be a burden on the society. Rather than focussing on quantity, we should focus on quality. – Amit Kumar
First look at first world
As per the given data on why Greenpeace is first on the government’s chopping block, it becomes clear that countries like India and China need more power because of their high population (“Why Greenpeace is first on the Indian government’s chopping block”). India does not have adequate funding for unconventional power sources. If Greenpeace really wants to stop global warming, it should work against hypocrite first world countries which do not provide technology they have but complain against the use of coal.
And what about funding violations? If they are true, then they should provide the details asked by the government. Not only India, but other countries as well are complaining against these NGOs. – Akash Thele
We welcome your comments at
letters@scroll.in.
Why are you talking about unimportant things like the implementation of the pension and insurance scheme? (“Modi rebrands pension, insurance schemes but will they really be more effective this time?”). Don’t you realise the power of sound? We only had to change the name of Bombay to Mumbai, and it instantly became a world-class city. Didn’t you notice the huge improvement in quality of life when we changed Madras to Chennai? Bangalore to Bengaluru? Calcutta to Kolkata? No? Then it is hardly surprising that you lack belief in Modi magic. Stand in the dunce’s corner and repeat to yourself 5,000 times “I will believe in magic, I will believe in mantras, I will believe in Modi”. – Prabhu S Gupta
Inaccurate Figures
In the article about the Indian economy under Narendra Modi, the author writes that India imports "almost two-thirds" of the country's total requirement of crude oil, providing a link to an article by Thomson Reuters (“One year on, here’s how India’s economy has changed under Narendra Modi”). Both reports are inaccurate. India currently imports almost 80 per cent of its requirement of crude oil. The precise proportion stood at around 77 per cent in the year that ended in March this year. – Paranjoy Guha Thakurta
First-class review
Congratulations on a first-class review of history and politics vis a vis the cow (“Maharashtra’s beef ban shows how politicians manipulate Hindu sentiments around cow slaughter”). – Jo
Give up cheerleading
I have a message for the cheerleader in the IPL: love India, and give up being a cheerleader. It just does not look good on fabulous ladies like you all (“Leching men, dirty toilets and corrupt managers: an IPL cricket cheerleader reveals all”). – Gyalpo Dawson
Thanks for the explanation
Thank you for your explanation about the Golden Temple (“Why Sikhs don't want the Golden Temple to be declared a World Heritage Site”). – Jasneel Singh
Oh, those IIT subsidies, again!
I am responding to the articles by Jeswanth Padooru where he makes unfair and ill-advised attacks on IITians and IITs (“Dear Smriti Irani, stop giving my money to IITians”).
First, Padooru fails to understand the difference between education and technical training. The IITs were established to provide students with a sound and all-round education in science and technology, not create trained "mechanics" who did what they were trained for. A sound education trains one to think and solve problems, no matter what kind of job he/she is assigned or selects to do.
Second, while it is a shame that the defence and space establishments are unable to recruit sufficient engineers (IIT or other), is that the fault of the engineers? Padooru should lay the blame squarely on our politicians and bureaucrats who interfere and put in place less qualified personnel in high positions.
Third, Padooru blames the engineers for not starting companies which would manufacture the equipment which we currently import. Again here, Padooru fails to understand that starting a company is more than just engineering skills but also needs capital. Yes, some engineers have been entrepreneurial and started companies like Flipkart and others, but they too have been condemned by Padooru. Is that not contradictory?
Fourth, Padooru claims that more money is repatriated from the Gulf countries than made by out-sourcing companies in the West. While that may be true, do we want India to be known worldwide as the source of cheap labour for the Gulf countries? Or, do we want Indians to work proudly in the West where their education and skills are appreciated and fairly rewarded?
Let us not be short-sighted and save a paisa and lose a rupee. – Firoz Mistry
***
IITians are looting India’s money and not giving anything back to the country. We should file an PIL to stop their funding. – P Narasingha Patro
***
When doctors are forced to work in rural areas, then the IITians should also work for the Indian government. – Amit Gupta
***
All IITians should be made to repay the subsidy with interest the moment they land a job, just like educational loans are repaid to the bank. – Dr AR Mehta
***
A student from IIT gets an average pay package of Rs 10 lakh, of which he pays a tax of Rs 1.5 lakh approximately per year. The government pays Rs 2.5 lakh per year for four years and gets back Rs 1.5 lakh per year for nearly 40 years. So how is taxpayers’ money wasted? – Rahul Babbar
The greed thing
I am an NITian, now an IIM student. Though I agree with some views, I just cannot understand your handling of the issue. IITs are now India’s path to success and have a status like that of civil servants. The next step that a normal IITian sees is foreign opportunities, whether it is studying further or advancing the career. Calling IITians and doctors as greedy may be for most part true, simply because the greed (hunger for money or success) is what causes them to compete hard with lakhs of similar aspirants (“'IITians and doctors are greedy people'”).
With regards to funding the education, I agree with most opinions: the bank loan would do. But in addition to it, need-based scholarships should be provided to students from weaker backgrounds, as in case of IIMs where graduation costs are on par with the market.
Improving and maintaining IIT standards require substantial research funding and grants from both the government and the industry. But, when even the IIT course funding is curtailed, shouldn't we try to capture as much talent as possible? – Chandra Prabhu
Pakistani passport blues
In 1985 or ’86, I have helped fill out somebody's Pakistan passport application form. The person had to-
1. Affirm the finality of Prophet Mohammed,
2. Endorse that any insult to the Prophet deserved punishment by death.
3. That Qadianis were not Muslims.
Those were the days (“What renewing my Pakistani passport revealed to me about myself and my country”). - Jyoti Pande
Hit and run
The hit and run survivor account by Charudutt Acharya is well written (“'I am a hit and run survivor': a chilling account by Bollywood director Charudutt Acharya”). He deserves applause for writing without fear. I was also hit by a young boy, who was riding on the wrong side of the road. I persuaded the boy to run away, for the fear of my son. I was thrown in the middle of the road just near my son's office in Pune. Till today, I bear scars on both my legs and of a lot of pain in winter. I bear no grudges because this boy stopped and kept saying sorry and was ready to take me to the hospital. - Lavina Lewis
Battery power
The Tesla battery Powerwall will definitely improve the power situation in India, provided that PM Modi takes initiatives for it. (“Can Elon Musk's wall-mounted battery solve India’s power crisis?”). If it is a yes, then the project will be handled at a large level, and smart cities will truly be smart. - Madhuri Ashtekar
Cool home
Here’s one more easy and cheap Idea to keep your home cool in the summer. Cover the roof with thermocol [stretch polystyrene] (“Want to keep your home cool this summer? An architect has some practical tips”). - Manoj Jain
Another Hindi book
I was going through an article by Snigdha Poonam on must-read Hindi books of this year (“Five Hindi books you must read this year”). So, I thought I’d bring forth another book that has created ripples in the Hindi literature scene. Dark Horse by Nilotpal Mrinal is a novel on the life of students preparing for civil services in the Mukharjeenagar area of North Delhi. But in its take, it widens its wings and sensibly touches the social backgrounds, loves, dreams, failures, depression and broken dreams through parallel stories of different characters. The book has garnered critical appeal as well. – Nishith Singh
Endearing simplicity
All things complex can be solved if made simple. Piku is that simple a movie (“Film review: 'Piku' mines great humour from irritable characters and stubborn bowel movements”). No complex storyline with no twists or extra added masala, yet it has all the elements of surprise, emotions, and drama. The movie's simple story is so well told that you will feel all the emotions as the characters do. This simplicity is so beautifully acted by the great Senior Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan and Moushumi Chatterjee. We very rarely see a movie of this stature come our way, and when it does, it makes one fall in love with cinema all over again. The Bengali father played by Bachchan is a stroke of genius. The actor has yet once again amazed us. The character Piku played by Deepika is so well managed, a headstrong gal who is independently trying to survive in this world, taking care of another extremely headstrong father and coping up with resultant frustrations. The visual portrayal of Piku is ravishingly new, and done so well by Shoojit Sircar. – Sandeep Rawal
Saving Calcutta
I fully endorse the views expressed by Amit Chaudhuri and others on saving the historic neighbourhoods of Kolkata (“Calcutta must take urgent steps to save its historic neighbourhoods from real-estate developers”). Let me add, however, that some of the houses may have gone beyond repair. In such cases, any new building which comes up should have a façade that merges with the existing architectural features. This should be possible. Also, shop signage should also be in harmony. At present, they tend to stand out as ugly sores on some of the charming old houses. – Suchandra Chakravarty
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I wholeheartedly add my own personal endorsement of efforts made by this esteemed group, to retain Calcutta’s integrity as an utterly unique and distinguished cultural and social entity worth preserving and nurturing in progressive yet sensitive ways. I would deem it an honour to be included in this list of concerned individuals. – Brian Paul Bach
Nightclub video
Excellent article on the nightclubs in Bollywood (“[Video] It’s all happening in the Bollywood nightclub”). Keep them coming. Though I know it is not possible to include everything, the nightclub scene from Waqt should have been included. The lyrics echo the motto of the night club. – Jyoti Pande
Let literature be read as literature
Why would you preface a Manto story with: 'Saadat Hasan Manto’s ‘Bombay Stories’ are devastating portraits of the working class crammed into tenement houses'? Manto's stories are great because they are beautifully written, not because they are about the working class. When will we learn to read literature for the literature, and not for the social utility? (“On Manto’s birth anniversary, a story from his life in a Bombay chawl: ‘Peerun’”)
I expected better from Scroll. – Rosinka Chaudhuri
Stop child actors first
I thought your article about child slavery in the Aishwarya Rai ad is good, but then you should stop all those ads which use children (“Open letter to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: This ad you figure in is insidiously racist”). You should stop all those child artists from acting in TV serials such as Udaan, where the entire serial is dedicated to the child.
I agree with your gesture of child labour, but then there is always other side of the coin. - Sameer Reshamwala
Prejudiced mindset
It is the first time I read such a disconnected and prejudiced article in Scroll.in. Regarding the unfortunate incident of SAI athletes’ suicide, these are the facts (“Kerala suicide pact: As Malayali women break free, regressive forces rear up again”):
1. The girls were found drinking beer by their seniors.
2. The girls have been facing constant harassment from senior girls regarding the same.
3. The teenage girls are living away from home, and do not have a very supportive environment at the institute. And coupled with high pressure, they decided to take the extreme step.
From this, if the author wanted to write an "opinion", one can talk about the kind of difficulties that girls face in sports, the cultural/patriarchal mindset in the society, etc. What the author ended up highlighting is the "hand-chopping case", "Vatican", "Saudi Arabia" and lot of such things which do not have a direct bearing on the issue being discussed, which clearly illustrates the author's prejudiced mindset. The way the author argues is this:
Regressive forces in the Muslim (and a passing reference to Christian) communities is pulling back Kerala society, and this has led the four athletes to commit suicide.
There are regressive forces in all religions pulling Kerala back. But none of the four athletes were Muslim, nor has any news report come out indicating a SAI official being a Muslim. Now unless you are blinded by prejudice, there is no direct link between the two. – Ashif Anakorath
Indo-Pak mango wars
First of all, I’d like to tell the author that being Indian, he cannot simply pass a judgement about which side of soil is producing more flavourful mangoes (“Why Indian mangoes are better than Pakistani ones”). Whatever you say or try will reflect your biased opinion, which I really respect as this shows patriotism, a quality to be admired.
I have tried Indian, Pakistani, Mexican and mangoes from other countries. When you say Anwar Ratol is from India, I agree. If you remember, Pakistan and India used to be one country. There are lot of plants and fruits which are all over the world. Sometimes they grow better in their second home, as the conditions are more suitable. Anwar Ratol might have been amazing in Pakistan if it had been planted.
Also, the taste varies from one person to another. Not everyone likes the same thing. I have met Indians who migrated from Pakistan stating that they tasted the best mangoes in their old hometown, and my own father who migrated from the Indian side always says that the best mangoes in the world are in Hushiarpur. So, emotions and memories play a big role. – Aeysha Athar
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The most unlucky person born on this planet is the one who doesn't like mangoes, especially Alphonso. – Sudhir Buch
Happy reader
I am a regular reader of your website and am happy to say that it gives me great pleasure to read the stories. I find the stories are well researched and well written. I think we need more responsible and unbiased news channels for overall development of the society. After all, the media is the fourth pillar of democracy.
Today, we see neither the legislature nor judiciary working properly. Although both have their problems, legislature does not want to work and the judiciary is short of manpower. Therefore, there is more responsibility on the media to properly run democracy.
In India, it’s very hard to get a good news site, and I am happy reading your articles. Please keep on writing such bold and unbiased news. - Sidhartha Mahapatra
Fatal error
The totalling error found in the Karnataka High Court judgement in the Jayalalithaa case is fatal, unless it is proved convincingly that loans totalling, or a loan totalling to Rs. 13,50,00,000 has been inadvertently omitted to be recorded in the judgement (“How the numbers don't add up in the Jayalalithaa case: Did the Karnataka High Court get its maths wrong?”). Will this not remind us of the proverbial gap between the lip and the cup? – Samaga Dattatri
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The Karnataka High Court Judge has dealt with the loan amount of Rs.24,17,31,274/- in the Jayalalthaa judgement in six places (pages 848, 850, 852, 852, 893, 903). Further, in page 852 the judge says, "In this case, there is positive evidence to the effect that Rs. 24,17,31,274/- has been borrowed loans from the nationalised banks by A1 to A4, firms and companies". Hence, the error in maths may be due to clerical/ typographical error or victim of modern day cut-copy-paste technique.
The judge might have kept the 919 pages highly-confidential judgement with himself because of the sensitivity of the case. – S Sundararajan
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You show me the man, I will show the rule. This is rule number one. Rule number two: when in doubt, refer to rule number one. The rich and famous can do no wrong. They are all above the law. All politicians are above the law. So are celebrities. Judiciary is fairly flexible. Merit is no longer the criterion in India. Quota system ensures mediocrity. The masses are mesmerised and can be bought at the time of election. Corruption has seeped into all walks of life, including the judiciary. There is no salvation. It is all pot calling the kettle black. DMK is no paragon of virtue. – Natesan Radhakrishnan
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The judgement page number 852, the first amount of Rs. 1,50,00,000 is typed wrongly. The actual figure is Rs.15,00,00,000. - Jayam Venkateshwaran
Look within
While the Qatar violence involving an Indian is reprehensible, Indians are least qualified to condemn such mob attacks, whatever be the reason (“Qatar appeals for calm after mall visitors attack Indian man accused of insulting Islam”). It is not very long ago that a Delhi mob lynched a Nigerian on flimsy grounds of suspicion. Despite such "lessons abroad", we don't seem to translate them into our own conduct here, in India. – Usha Subramanian
The Modi bias
The article about Modi’s year in office is just biased (“The one thing that has saved Modi from being a complete flop this year”). Anyone will know what side of the coin the author is supporting.
I don’t think people are fools to be misguided by such articles. Bills that were pending in the Parliament were completed by the BJP. GST bill has been discussed in Parliament since ages, and no one party can claim it is their idea. Calling it a UPA bill will be wrong. The case is similar with the Insurance Bill which the previous NDA government wanted to pass, but the Congress opposed.
And so conveniently you forgot about the coalblock allocation scam and the amount of money lost in it. Was it not the UPA trademark? The current government stuck to the Supreme Court directives and quickly took steps so that there won’t be a power shortage in the country.
The style of governance is what is mainly different and you seem to be blind not to notice it. Foreign reserves increased 41% since January 2015, which I think is a big deal, whereas the UPA II gave us the lowest foreign reserves of the decade.
I’m not saying that this is the perfect government, but try to be a bit more sensible in these things. – Vivek Pimputkar
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First, I'd to state that I'm not a BJP fanatic. I just admire the media and believe it ought to be objective. The article fails to mention The Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill passed by Lok Sabha. Furthermore, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015, is, at the very least, as 'revolutionary' as the NREGA. While it might, to use the words the author uses, 'divide opinion', that doesn't take away from the fact that it is a remarkable piece of legislation.
Plus, the GST U-turn is easily explained by the fact that it was an NDA I issue. You're wrong on nuclear liability as well. The US didn't get exactly what it wanted. And on liability, what they've done is created an insurance pool, which is not the same as limiting compensation.
Please, at least pretend to be objective while writing these articles. – Ahaan Mohan
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Brilliant summary. Thank you for this. – Sandy Tatham
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Your observation looks biased. You have completely ignored schemes like insurance for all, national pension scheme, cleaning the legal system by removing old laws, looking at the inflation rate, and improving India's representation at world level. Infra projects are moving fast, and the result will be seen a little later, as was the case with the AB Vajpayee's government.
People would be very happy if you could analyse the same for the period between Independence till 1998. It is a sincere request to you to stop the misleading/biased/sponsored reporting on national issues. - Ajay Kumar
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Very well analysed. It is an eye-opener. – Anup Gupta
Meaningless fraud
I think Narendra Modi’s social security schemes are not a fraud, but your article that is a fraud (“Modi's social security schemes are old wine in new bottles”). The article is completely biased and meaningless. Please don't try to spread misinformation and negative propaganda. -Rakesh Anugula
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This is a well-written article. It only proves that the role of politicians is to oppose whatever the ruling party does and then implement the same with a new name to fool the people as if they have done something unique. People are now tired and frustrated and resigned themselves to be silent spectators of all that is happening around them, be it in Parliament or judiciary or elsewhere. – Sampath
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A very valid argument, and an intense read. Thanks for showing this perspective. - Sikata Sitiratna
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Modi has failed badly. – Capt KP Sharma
Physician, heel thyself!
The mother of the God of Sad Things (Maa Dukhishwar, or should it be the Goddess of Sad Things) Madhu Kishwar is at it again. She rode hard against anyone who spoke a word against Modi during the election tamasha, and now she is dispensing advice that is not just gratuitous but might have done herself a world of good as well. To quote, "even though self-love is not a bad thing if it’s not out of control. However, when the performance is not in sync with image, then it risks looking exaggerated." Splendid advice, your worship, if you can take it yourself (“Modi is like a new bride refashioning herself for a wealthy sasural, says Madhu Kishwar”). - Kishore Tejaswi
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The article gives ample proof that Madhu Kishwar is disappointed with Modi's performance because she has not been part of his advisory board. – R Valsaraj
Ghee facts
I am afraid some of the content in the article about whether the use of ghee is bad may be factually incorrect (“Is ghee really bad for you?”). The author starts off by quoting Dr Vasant Lad in his book on Ayurveda as if it is the gospel truth. Ayurveda at best is a body of beliefs without evidence about its effects on health and at worst may have deleterious effects like metal poisoning. To assign magical properties to a substance which is essentially fat is possible only in the magical realm of Ayurveda.
Ghee is mainly fat. Almost 65% of that fat is saturated fat. Scientists have always advised us to restrict the intake of saturated fat to 7-10% of the total energy intake. The author also indulges in a bit of fear mongering about the smoke point. Granted that smoke point of unrefined canola is lower than that of ghee, but refined canola has a higher smoke point than ghee. Generally speaking, doctors recommend cooking oils which are low in saturated fat and high in mono and poly unsaturated fats.
It would be great if you could consult a science-based sceptical writer to give his opinion on the consumption of ghee for the benefit of your readers. – Kalind Pathak
Misused reservations
The reservation for OBCs, SC and STs should be less than 50% as mandated by the Supreme Court of India. The other 50% is not for Others, but is Open Category in which all communities and castes, including the OBCs, SCs and STs, can apply. It is shameful that more than 65 years of reservation was not enough and people are asking for more. Some castes are fighting to get included into the reserved category (“Why is the media outraging against OBC reservations when it’s the higher castes who have cornered jobs?”).
Is it not enough level playing field if one gets equal education? No. Reservation is given during entry into educational institutions, hostels and scholarships. It is given for recruitment of jobs. Is the level playing field still not achieved? The current reservation system doesn't serve its real purpose. How many of those getting jobs under reservations have family annual income less than that of the average of the country?
Reservations are being used by the affluent people, denying those who really need them. – Sudheer Kumar
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This is a good article, but you missed the cost of education which is growing exponentially. Even if reservation is being provided, it is not serving the purpose. The quality of education is decreasing by the day. It would be better if reservation is calculated on economic standard of the individual and not on caste basis. For example: if a doctor or an engineer who has just qualified the examination will have less knowledge, and he/she will be a burden on the society. Rather than focussing on quantity, we should focus on quality. – Amit Kumar
First look at first world
As per the given data on why Greenpeace is first on the government’s chopping block, it becomes clear that countries like India and China need more power because of their high population (“Why Greenpeace is first on the Indian government’s chopping block”). India does not have adequate funding for unconventional power sources. If Greenpeace really wants to stop global warming, it should work against hypocrite first world countries which do not provide technology they have but complain against the use of coal.
And what about funding violations? If they are true, then they should provide the details asked by the government. Not only India, but other countries as well are complaining against these NGOs. – Akash Thele